Geofence Data Determination Using Estimated Time of Arrival
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing geofencing systems rely on distance-based boundaries, which can lead to irrelevant or improperly prioritized location-based services due to travel time differences, even if a mobile device is closer in distance but farther away in terms of travel time to a location.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that determines geofence data based on estimated time of arrival (ETA) from a given location to a mobile device's current location, using geographic boundaries that account for present and historical traffic conditions, allowing for more relevant and timely location-based services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If distance-based geofence boundaries are used, then the system is simple to implement, but location-based services become irrelevant when travel time differs significantly from distance proximity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter for geofence boundary determination from distance to estimated time of arrival (ETA). Instead of using radial distance boundaries, the system calculates boundaries based on travel time parameters, incorporating traffic conditions, speed limits, and route information. This parameter transformation resolves the contradiction by making services relevant to actual travel time while maintaining systematic implementation through automated calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic geofence boundaries that adjust based on real-time traffic conditions, historical traffic data, and varying speed limits along different routes. The boundaries are not static but dynamically recalculate based on current travel conditions, ensuring that the geofence accurately reflects areas reachable within a specific time frame under current conditions.
2Device complexity
If distance-based geofencing is used, then the system structure is simple, but travel time variations are not accounted for
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations of travel times and routes before determining geofence boundaries. By pre-calculating ETA values for multiple potential destinations and incorporating traffic pattern data in advance, the system establishes accurate time-based boundaries without adding significant operational complexity during actual geofence evaluation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational layer that translates between distance metrics and time metrics. This intermediary process uses traffic data, speed limits, and route information to convert spatial boundaries into temporal boundaries, effectively bridging the gap between simple distance-based systems and the need for accurate travel time representation.
3Ease of manufacture
If geofence boundaries are based on distance, then calculation is straightforward, but services are improperly prioritized due to ignoring traffic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the simple geometric calculation mechanism with a more sophisticated computational mechanism that substitutes basic distance formulas with travel time calculations. This substitution incorporates multiple data sources including traffic flow data, historical travel patterns, speed limit information, and route optimization algorithms, achieving precise travel time estimation while maintaining computational efficiency through algorithmic optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, method, and system for determining geofence data based on estimated time of arrival are provided. At a computing device, geofence data is determined, wherein geographic boundaries associated with the geofence data are based on a given estimated time of arrival (ETA) from one of the given location and a current location of a handheld communication device. Given location data associated with the given location is transmitted to the handheld communication device, via a communication interface, when the current location of the handheld communication device and the given location are each within the geographic boundaries such that the handheld communication device is transportable to the given location within the given estimated time of arrival.